It's worth taking into account that Sony requires an online pass for all their first-party games so that people buying used have to cough up extra cash if they want to play their games online. This is something that Microsoft do not do to their customers, and they appear to be much more tolerant of used games than Sony is.

As such, I'm incredibly wary of any rumors that spring up claiming that Microsoft will block used games with the next Xbox, since so far this console gen they've been much more considerate to gamers who buy used than Sony has.

"It's worth taking into account that Sony requires an online pass for all their first-party games so that people buying used have to cough up extra cash if they want to play their games online. This is something that Microsoft do not do to their customers, and they appear to be much more tolerant of used games than Sony is. "

Yeah, because Microsoft would never charge people to use their own internet connections to play online games that they already bought.

Remember that XBL fees are money in Microsoft's hands, not the publisher or developer. This is why day 1 on disc DLC exists; publishers are trying to recoup however they can.

I have no issue with online passes as they are a "fair" compromise. Remember you have a choice to buy new at $60 (online pass included free) or used at $45-50 and then optionally (key word here) purchase the online pass for $10.

All that being said, the only way I can see what the article is talking about as working is that Microsoft ties the games to your XBL account and if the game is bought used you'd pay a fee to untie it from the original owner and retie it to yourself. This would be far more complicated than "online passes" and an open system for used games; it would give Microsoft more control and the ability to track trades though.

Jimbo, I've never had to use an online pass with any first party sony game. They have mentioned all games using it, but so far have not implemented it. Uncharted 3 didn't even ask me for a code, though that was the last first party game I bought.

Sony already said they have some tech that detects preowned games inside the ps4 but was up to publishers if they wanted to use it.

MS said they do NOT have this tech.

This rumour could end up true. System wide inability would suck for those who buy second hand. But right now only one console is confirmed to block and n4g glosses over the fact that console is the ps4.

Note this: "Interestingly, I also spoke to a Sony source elsewhere at the event this evening who told me that the anti used-game patent discovered last month was actually nothing to do with PlayStation 4 at all."

And this: "But whatever reason Sony did have for patenting it, it sounds like it wasn't for its next-generation console."

Note this: "While Yoshida's statement leaves open the possibility that individual publishers can still block used games at will, it's just as likely he was simply leaving the door open for the kind of "Online Pass" purchase systems that already routinely limit certain online game functions in used copies of games."

Every source except for one, that being the managing director at Sony UK, says used games will work on the PS4. I'm inclined to take the word of executives like Jack Tretton and Shuhei Yoshida over a managing director who wouldn't know anything that these two executives don't.

It amazes me that we all are condemning Sony and MS for this feature that may occur when technically some publishers and developers have started to already apply these features within this current generation, and I expect them to continue to the next. I know for a fact several used games that I have purchased that require an additional purchase to access online features. By Sony and MS applying the feature (Sony as an option and MS, we don't know yet) in their next console, I can expect most publishers to actually use it. So we can purchase used games, but in order to access the content of the game, you have to purchase an additional feature.

it's all about money a lot of companies are taking a wait an see approach to all this microsoft will lead the way the rest will soon fallow gamers are not united an the new generation dont care nor do fanboy's. it will all come to pass sooner or later

I sure hope we are being Rick Rolled and MS isn't this stupid. New only will be the kiss of death for them. That can't be this stupid, can they?

E3 can't get here soon enough. If these rumors turn out to be true? I prefer options and having resale value in my purchases. That and "it's been a blast MS but I feel we are headed in different directions." CIAO

You act like Sony originated it. This is despite the fact that EA pioneered it, and WB and Ubisoft followed suit, making Sony the FOURTH publisher to require it. Quite hypocritical coming from someone who, just a few days ago, accused someone of being a lying fanboy.

Making your bullcrap all the more hilarious is that you try to imply some hypocrisy by saying "nobody gave a damn" about online passes, despite the huge backlash against it, which even helped EA earn the title of "worst company in America".

What's even more hypocritical is that this is coming from a guy who's clearly pro-Microsoft, a company that asks you to put in your credit card number to play your new games online, instead of just a code that comes in the box.

***"I have always been against online passes, because it never actually gave me anything and pretty much just took my rights away."***

I'm pretty sure everyone is against online passes and what "rights" are you referring to being taken away? The ability to play used games online without an additional fee? You do realize that MS pretty much does that with new and used games, right? As you have to pay for live in order to play your games online...

I wouldn't call removing the "Other OS" feature from the PS3 and limiting Vita owners to expensive proprietary memory cards "open and accessible" on Sony's part. EVERY company wants to control your content to an extent.

Microsoft is simply taking the practice a step further. They probably figure that the revenue they lose from rebellious consumers who want to play used games is gained back tenfold by consumers who sign contracts for two year cable subscriptions. Very smart on their part.

Not to mention the goodwill they'll have with developers given this strong stance on anti-piracy.

Very smart? I don't think so. If Microsoft block used games they have officially gone full retard in regards to what they bring to gamers. And I am talking about core gamers, the ones who made the 360 and the original Xbox sell in the first place. It's never good for business when you alienate your core audience and fanbase.

I don't think devs will benefit from this either. Look at the uproar over Sim City, which went to great efforts to have always online. It crashed and burned, and as a result Maxis is marked because of the negative publicity. Any screw up with always online is a major one. Devs don't need that hanging over them.

What you need is better business models; subscription services such as PS+ are the way to go if you want to defeat piracy and ween people off used games. I don't know many people who say they don't love what they get out of PS+. I'm saying this as a person who has never bought used either. Kill used or try to block it with always online, is a disasterous approach, unless you bring services that fill the void.

Other OS had to be removed for a reason everyone here should very well know. And while the Vita MC can't really be defended, at least they did more than take something off the shelf and put it in an enclosure.

As for MS and goodwill, from what I'm hearing they don't really have any. Not with small and indie.

Also, was talking about the next console cycle. Not the current one. And even then Sony's games are region free. Physical ones anyway.

You can't be serious LOGICWINS. Sony is well within their rights to do those things. On the other hand, Microsoft seems more intrusive and anti consumer if all these rumours are to be believed. Those propriety memory cards can work on as many different Vitas as you want, as long as you format them. Microsoft is planning to limit the disc to a single account. That I believe is unethical.

"Microsoft is WILLING to lose a chunk of their core gamer audience if it means getting a bigger piece of the casual pie."

And given how well the casual market supported the Wii, you honestly consider the active alienation of a segment of its current market a good idea?

Also if rumor is true and they're going more towards TV and entertainment support, anything resembling hardcore gaming support if going to whittle to Halo and anything else with name recognition while quality is actually casual.

No, the Wii and the 720 are two different beasts. The Wii went for casual gamers, the 720 on the otherhand is going for casuals in general(people who spend more time streaming/social networking, watching cable than gaming). There are more potential consumers for the latter than the former.

If Microsoft subsidizes the 720 to $199 with a 2 year sub to XBL Gold, Cable, and Netflix for $25 a month, you REALLY believe they won't be successful?

Good will working with developers is not some BS archaic form of DRM. Working with devs making it easier to release on to your platform is what is needed and making the tools available for your particular platform readily available.

If these RUMORS have truth to them, then many gamers will shy away from the Nextbox. Always online or connected is never a good option. Previous and current games with those DRM restrictions has proven that its a problem.

@logicwins
"Does that matter to 99% of people? Will most people spend $299-$399 for a 720 to play AAA titles or $5-$15 indie game?"

Have you seen the ipad and tablet users? They spend $400-600 for an Ipad or Iphone so they can play $0.99 games. Most of these games are indie games too. Yes it true they use the Ipad for other purposes, but i can guarantee that %85 of the Ipad user uses their Ipads to play these games during their pass time, How do you explain Angry bird, candy crush, words with friends, etc...???

Now you're just arguing for Microsoft's corporate interests instead of your own. If they do choose to block used games then let them rot and don't try to defend them. That said I don't expect them to block them (it'd be unbelievably stupid).

If MS abandons gamers for its next GAME Console then it will fail..... Whether it's Kinect Gears or Halo the Xbox Brand is associated with Gaming...when they abandon that to be a casual hardware device , Nintendo and Sony will no longer consider them competition, just as they don't consider Comcast or FIOS boxes competition...and yes they play games as well.

Also u said "the Wii and the 720 are two different beasts. The Wii went for casual gamers, the 720 on the otherhand is going for casuals in general".

That statement is ridiculous, the Wii got grandparents and soccer moms and more into gaming that may have never touched a game prior to the Wii...the crowd you are think MS are aiming for have no reason to get a Xbox720 if they already have a cable service or smart tv and have no interest in gaming....unless its incredibly affordable..... even then I've used FIOS on 360 and it's a mere shadow of the actual FIOS service ( missing channels, features , etc..)

Yes, because removing a weakness in security that less than 1% of the userbase used and was not a necessary feature for the console's basic function is exactly the same as closed and restrictive practices with the prohibition of used games. EXACTLY the same. /s

Dude I somehow get your point in a business point of view, But its still "Risky" for them if they are going to do this. And you really sounded like you defend microsoft as if you gain something from it. I dont mind if you defend microsoft if what their doing is good. But even though these are rumors, still they are unappealing no matter where you look at it. I too defend my console or company of choice which is sony because I see that their way of doing things is good if not great and very "Pro" consumer. But if they have done something unappealing too then I will not stand up for them. Like example they chose region lock games for the first time. But its just an example. No matter how we love our brand of clothing or devices, if they done something against their customers, I dont think standing up for them is a good idea.

If Ms drop xbox live subscription then I see them making a online pass like Sony do for there exclusive games where they can only be used once to play on line and then if you buy the game 2nd hand you will have to buy the pass as well.

I don't thing any of the big 3 will stop pre owned games next gen as people would end up with far to many games hanging around in there homes that they never play. I also think it would hurt sales of games Ike fifa ect as people will not want 7 copy's in there collection

I wish people would stop acting as if this is not inevitable. Sony and MS need to catch up to modern day platforms like apple/google/amazon when it comes to digital distribution. The only reason this is talked about is because they are still using physical media which is on its way out and I for one can not wait.

I want a nice clean interface that displays all my games and I can hop in and out with no need to touch a disk...

Its gonna happen people, both MS and Sony will go this route. The question is when?

"Moving away from questions of hardware for second - remember Black Tusk Studios? The exciting new people who're developing at least four new IP, presumably for the new console? They're in the market for a campaign engineer with serious "core" credentials. "This opportunity is best suited for an experienced engineer with a background working closely with Design to create outstanding single-player experiences in a core AAA game," reads the listing in question. "The role will be to create and maintain custom campaign gameplay systems that are needed for our game. Our ideal candidate will be a committed gamer with a passion for delivering new experiences to the core consumer." Experience with the Unreal Engine is preferred. Hmm.

Black Tusk also needs a senior services engineer to help assemble "a reliable high-traffic web application to support console and multi-screen end points". Multi-screen, eh? Could this be a SmartGlass-style auxiliary in-game service of some kind?"

This seems more interesting than the same flip flopping rumor that pops up every week.

can we start putting rumor in the title for these RUMORS? Geeze we already know how gullible the internet is. This just makes it even worse acting like they know what they're talking about; a product that hasn't even been announced yet.

That goes both ways. Negative 720 rumors are dismissed by the faithful, while positive rumors must be true. Let's also not forget the years of negative PS3 articles we saw on this site that's supposedly run by PS3 fanboys.

Agreed. And if you check on the number of positive or negative comments on each of such articles and the number of agrees or disagrees each comment receives, you get a very clear picture of which camp of childish fools overrun this site.